How To Create Stunning Images With Only One Light Source

All available expensive equipment and sophisticate studios should not be a obstacle for you to make some beautiful and dynamic photos. By experimentation and trying you can learn how to use natural light, flashes and cheap light sources to create artistic images. In this article you will found out how to make stunning images by using only one light source.

How To Create Stunning Images With Only One Light Source

For this experimentation you will need:

• An simple LED light

• A Digital Camera

• A tripod or stable surface

Use A Direct Light

Let’s start with the easiest setup: Place your LED light directly in front of your subject, That’s the way you can create a standard image, which may not seem very exciting to your viewer. But placing an item that has an interesting pattern or shape ( for example, lace tablecloth )directly between your light and your subject can give a unique and creative result. Playing around with the fabric’s distance from the light, causes the pattern’s shadow to change size, and sometimes even shape. Try experimenting with moving your body, or an object like a colorful scarf in your image.

How To Create Stunning Images With Only One Light Source

How To Create Stunning Images With Only One Light Source

Use A Side Light

This is also very useful and artistic technique of taking creative photos. Place your light at an angle of 45 degrees from your subject. If you try to place it directly to the right, or left of your subject, you will get a pretty cool effect as well. This placement creates an interesting shape in the natural shadow your subject makes. Playing around with overlays and textures in Photoshop can further enhance your photo.

How To Create Stunning Images With Only One Light Source

Use A Back Light And Overhead Light

For small objects you can do a simple backlight setup, using your LED light. If you place a sheet of white letter sized printing paper directly over your light, and place your subject directly on top of it, the result is pretty interesting. You can also try items that are slightly translucent and may possibly glow when back lit. Try capturing your final image by shooting from an overhead angle. Interesting images can also be created by putting your light directly above your subject.

How To Create Stunning Images With Only One Light Source

Coupling the overhead LED placement with interesting poses gives really striking results. Posing your subject with their face turned upward, in the direction of the light, for example, creates some really nice shadows along the contours of the face. Some creative editing in Photoshop resulted in these final images.

How To Create Stunning Images With Only One Light Source

With this simple tool and a little imagination, you can create dynamic, visually appealing images for your portfolio. The key here is to experiment, play and have fun.